Newsletter 10/24
NRC Magazine
Available in stores for readers in The Netherlands: This Saturday (November 2nd), you can find an interview with me in NRC Magazine, the monthly supplement of NRC. And I’m also proud to announce that my portrait of Roosje is featured on the cover.
Last month, I was delighted to learn that writer Sanne van Rij would be interviewing me for the magazine. Being familiar with her work, I knew she would capture my story with depth and insight.
She visited me for coffee at my home in Rotterdam and we talked about my work, personal life, and of course the portrait of Roosje, which will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It was a wonderful conversation, and I’m really proud of how the interview turned out.
I hope you enjoy reading it!
Head On Portrait Award 2024
While still processing the excitement of being a Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize finalist, I received the news that I’m also a finalist for the 2024 Australian Head On Portrait Award! An international panel selected one of my personal favorites: the portrait of Cybersissy and BayBJane.
The Head On Award, held annually in Sydney, Australia, is a prestigious competition celebrating outstanding portrait photography from around the globe. My portrait will be showcased alongside the works of other talented artists at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery in Sydney. The exhibition will run from November 9, 2024, to December 1, 2024.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the exhibition in person, as I’ll be in London at that time for the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize exhibition. While there, I’ll also work on a new photo series, which I’ll share more about soon.
The image features Cybersissy & BayBJane, alter egos of Antoine Timmermans and Mourad Zerhouni, iconic figures from the international club scene. As an intergalactic queen and a bionic man, they transcend personal challenges. They use spectacular costumes to blur the lines between gender, fashion, art, and performance. They are challenging norms and exploring new artistic expressions.
The 1940s bedroom, particularly in the Queen Anne style, embodies a sense of traditional elegance and sophistication. In contrast, the bold and extravagant queer identities of Cybersissy and BayBJane bring a modern twist, creating a captivating juxtaposition within this historical backdrop.
Despite these contrasts, the opulent style of both the performers and the room creates visual harmony. The rich detailing and vibrant colors unify the scene, where the flamboyant personalities of the performers seamlessly blend into the lavish environment, offering a coherent and immersive aesthetic.
Newsletter 08/24
Upcoming: The Taylor Wessing Photo Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The Taylor Wessing Photo Prize is an international competition that celebrates and promotes excellence in contemporary portrait photography.
Earlier this year, I submitted some of my recent works to the competition and I am thrilled to announce that my portrait of Roosje was selected for the group exhibition.
My portrait will be displayed alongside works of other talented artists from November 14th, 2024, to February 16th, 2025, at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The competition received a total of 4,847 entries from 1,713 photographers across 50 countries. Of these, 380 entries moved on to the second round of judging and the judges ultimately selected 63 works for the exhibition.
In January 2024, I read an article in the PZC regional newspaper about Roosje, a 91-year-old woman. The article detailed her life and her extensive collection of antiques, immediately sparking my interest. I decided to visit her in Middelburg, a small city in the south of the Netherlands.
I was captivated by her immense collection of antique dolls. Roosje frequently visits antique markets, using her charm to secure the best deals. She often wishes she had more space to expand her collection.
The image chosen for the exhibition shows Roosje sitting on her living room couch, which primarily serves as a display area for her dolls. As she has aged, the number of visitors she receives has decreased, leading to her collection growing even larger.
Roosje’s childlike enthusiasm is infectious. She leaves her house daily and is a well-known figure in Middelburg. Her striking appearance and fairy-tale decor have made her a regular feature in newspapers and on television.
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